In a heartwarming moment during the Asia Cup 2025 match between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Shubman Gill sealed India's dominant victory with a boundary off Simranjeet Singh, an old friend from his childhood. The pair shared a warm embrace after the winning shot, marking a touching reunion on the cricket field.
India's Asia Cup match against the UAE was a masterclass in bowling and efficient batting. After winning the toss, India chose to field, a decision that proved fruitful as their bowlers dismantled the UAE batting lineup. Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube led the charge, restricting the UAE to a paltry 57 runs in just 13.1 overs. Yadav's sharp googlies earned him figures of 4-7, while Dube's seam bowling contributed 3-4. Jasprit Bumrah also made his presence felt, claiming a wicket and displaying signs of form in his first T20 game since the World Cup.
Chasing a low target, India completed the formalities in a mere 4.3 overs, securing a nine-wicket victory. Abhishek Sharma provided a quick start with a blistering 30 off 16 balls, including three sixes. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20, finishing the match with a boundary. Suryakumar Yadav also contributed with a six off the first ball he faced.
The winning moment was made all the more special by the presence of Simranjeet Singh, a left-arm spinner in the UAE side. Singh and Gill share a history that dates back to Gill's early cricketing days. Years ago, Singh, then a budding cricketer himself, bowled to a 12-year-old Gill at the Punjab Cricket Association nets in Mohali. While Gill went on to represent India, Singh's journey took him to Dubai, where he eventually earned a spot in the UAE's national team.
Destiny brought them together on the cricket field once again, this time as opponents. With India needing just four runs to win, Singh was brought into the attack. Gill took a single off the first ball before dispatching the fourth delivery to the boundary, securing the victory. The two players then shared a heartwarming hug, acknowledging their shared past and mutual respect.
"Call it an irony," noted one report, "it was left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh, who once bowled to Shubman in his pre-teens, was hit for the winning runs by the Indian vice-captain".
The heartwarming reunion between Gill and Singh resonated with fans and observers alike. It was a reminder that beyond the fierce competition of cricket, there are bonds of friendship and camaraderie that endure. Gill's gesture of acknowledging Singh after the victory was praised as a sign of sportsmanship and respect.
